Resolution of automobile and light rail rapid transit vehicle conflicts: an American approach

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Resolution of automobile and light rail rapid transit vehicle conflicts: an American approach

Kessmann, R.W. / Cooper, D.L.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority began operating a Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRRT) system in Buffalo, New York in May of 1985. The dual track system extends approximately seven miles to the North from downtown Buffalo. The rail system is computer monitored from a central location and is designed to accommodate train schedules having headways as small as two minutes in each direction. The majority of the track system is located in an underground subway. However, a 1.6 mile section runs on the surface through a transit mall in downtown Buffalo. This section intersects with eight East/West cross streets each of which is controlled by an interconnected and coordinated traffic signal system. The intersection give rise to conflicts between automobile and light rail traffic. Although many European traffic signal systems are desigend so that light rail traffic is accommodated in the coordinate signal sequence, the approach is not common in the United States. The Buffalo application, therefore, is felt to be rather unique. This paper reports on the methods employed in this application to resolve the automobile light rail conflicts while minimizing the delays to both transportation modes. The description includes the site characteristics, the control hardware, software, and control strategies employed.